The Virginia General Assembly authorized the SGR program during the 2015 session by passing House Bill 1887 (Chapter 684), which was later incorporated into the Code of Virginia (§ 33.2-369). Section § 33.2-369 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the Commonwealth Transportation Board to use funds allocated in Sections § 33.2-358 and § 58.1-1741 to SGR purposes for reconstruction and replacement of structurally deficient (SD) state and locally owned bridges. The SGR program was planned to begin in FY2021. However, based on a more positive revenue outlook, VDOT began using funding through the SGR program beginning in FY2017.

Bridges must be part of the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) and SD in order to receive SGR funds. The terms “NBI” and “SD” have been defined by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Note that certain culverts are classified by FHWA as “NBI bridges”. Generally, NBI bridges are those that are greater than or equal to 20’ in length, including culverts that are 20’ or greater from ends of clear openings. Accordingly, any bridge or culvert that meets the criteria for an NBI bridge (whether that structure is a culvert or bridge) is referred to as a bridge in this document.

Table 1: State of Good Repair Requirements

Description

Pavement

Bridge

Purpose

Reconstruction/Rehabilitation (Deteriorated)

Reconstruction/Replacement (Structurally Deficient)

System

Interstate/Primary/Primary Extensions

All Systems (VDOT and Locally Maintained)

Priority Consideration

Number, Condition, Costs

Distribution

All nine construction districts - Based on needs Min 5.5% and Max 17.5% per year

The SGR program is intended to fund bridge work that provides long-term solutions exceeding routine maintenance, but it should not be viewed solely as a bridge replacement program. The scope of bridge work paid for under the SGR program should be adjusted appropriately to meet the needs of each particular bridge, with consideration for the overall limitations on funds available to address the bridge inventory. In general, project scopes should be established to rehabilitate, reconstruct, or replace deficient elements in the most practical and cost-effective manner and must also include measures (materials, technologies or details) to mitigate future deterioration. Bridge replacement projects are generally expected to be “in-kind” replacements. SGR funds are not intended to pay for increases of traffic capacity of a bridge or roadway. Details can be found in the link below for S&B I&IM 95, titled State of Good Repair Bridge Project Selection and Eligible Work Items.

If you have questions about a specific bridge, you are encouraged to contact your VDOT District Locality Liaison or District Structure and Bridge Engineer at the following:

FYI

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